Staff writer The xeriscape Gardens at Kendrick Lake Park colorfully demonstrate the diversity of plants that can thrive in Colorado’s arid climate. The gardens in Lakewood, south of Denver, showcase the plants that are happy in Colorado’s five flora types – Great Plains, steppe or foothills, montane, alpine and Great Basin. The more than 350 plant varieties have been selected from local sources or from more exotic locations that share a…

The Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve houses interactive exhibits about the ecology of the region and demonstrates sustainable building materials and design. Outside are breathtaking overlooks, easy and challenging trails.